News

How the Vale's voice continues to be heard by government and decision-makers was considered by the Douzaine at its last meeting – and there was some good news after Senior Constable Richard Leale issued his earlier appeal for "parish champions" in the States.

A community radio programme run from the Vale is interviewing Guernsey's head of Planning live this morning and has invited parishioners to submit questions to her about topical planning issues.

Equipment at the well-used play area at Les Amarreurs is being extended and improved by the Vale Douzaine as part of its parish improvements programme. The oldest and one of the most popular pieces, the monkey bars climbing frame, has been refurbished and extended while work has started on a new attraction.

A quick reminder for everyone – the North Community Market is being held at the Vale Douzaine Rooms this Saturday from 10am until 4pm and it's a popular event with a very strong Christmas theme this week.

A new junior library has opened at Vale Primary School and some of its content has been provided through donations approved by the Vale Douzaine.

Support for regenerating the Bridge has come from the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce, which said after being approached by the Vale Douzaine that it will be arranging meetings with Policy and Resources and Economic Development to pursue the development.

Vale residents should know within weeks whether a tree preservation order preventing the building of six new homes on La Pointe field opposite Alliance will continue or be struck down on appeal.

The prospect of some significant gains for the Vale and other parishes following the island-wide general election were disclosed in the new States Assembly today. These include affordable housing, development and parochial representation. An end to "suffocating red-taped mire" at Planning has also been promised.

Now that islanders are living with the reality of island-wide voting, attention needs to turn to parochial representation and how douzaines ensure their voices are heard politically since there are no longer "parish deputies", says Vale Senior Constable Richard Leale.

Eleven new homes will be built on a Vale greenfield site despite widespread parish objections after Planners approved an application for the area known as Camp Dolent in Tertre Lane. The development will also see the removal of eight public car parking spaces in the lane.